Controlling diabetes with a cellular GPRS-linked glucometer-pedometer

Abstract

The Cellular GPRS system includes a cellular-based Glucometer (CBG) for blood glucose monitoring, a pedometer for exertion measurement, combined with user-entered dietary or other diabetes-relevant information. Data from all inputs is transmitted over a cellular network, using a GPRS or other wireless link. The data is preferably stored in the device prior to being transmitted wirelessly over the cellular airway to a central computer server. The remote computer server will evaluate the data received and respond with a data packet (making recommendations on further glucose measurement, exercise, diet, insulin requirements or other).

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of controlling a subject's diabetes comprising:
 determining blood glucose level in a blood sample from the subject using a blood glucose test strip which is contacted with the blood sample and wherein current which is passed through the test strip at a constant voltage maintained across two electrodes is continuously measured, where one of the electrodes is connected to ground and the other electrode, which is the working electrode, is maintained at 220 mv, and wherein a digital representation of the current is sampled and stored at regular intervals over a fixed period of time, following the contact with the blood sample, during which time the current flow first rises then falls as the resistance of the test strip drops then rises and such current flow changes are sensed and the voltage on the working electrode is maintained at 220 mv during said fixed period, and the slope of the digital representation is used in determining the blood glucose level; 
 determining the subject's exertion level based on detection of motion patterns from a 3-axis accelerometer, associated with the subject which, based on the acceleration patterns from the three axes, can distinguish walking from jogging from riding in a car; 
 continuously transmitting the blood glucose level and exertion level to a monitor for analysis over a cellular GPRS link, wherein the combined effect on the subject of the exertion level and the blood glucose level are analyzed to determine whether the monitor recommends one or more of: increase or decrease the exertion level, eat carbohydrates, and administer insulin; and 
 receiving the recommendations from the monitor by the subject over the cellular GPRS link. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1  further including the subject acting on the recommendations by one or more of:
 performing another blood glucose level assay; 
 increasing or decreasing exertion level; 
 injecting insulin; or 
 eating carbohydrates. 
 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1  wherein the monitor is a computer server or a health professional. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1  wherein the patient enters information about the food(s) recently consumed.